Leke Abejide Dumps ADC, Cites ‘Hijack’ , Litigations, Eyes APC

By Christiana Ekpa

In a dramatic political shift ahead of the 2027 elections, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide has officially announced his exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing alleged internal hijack, prolonged legal battles, and structural instability within the party.

In a strongly worded press briefing, the lawmaker representing Yagba Federal Constituency described his decision as “painful but necessary” to safeguard his political future and continue delivering dividends of democracy to his constituents.

Abejide revealed that tensions within the party escalated following a legal dispute he instituted in August 2025 against key figures in the ADC coalition, including Senator David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Chief Ralph Nwosu.

According to him, despite securing accelerated hearing from the Federal High Court, the case suffered repeated delays due to what he termed “deliberate tactics” by opposing parties.

“With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable drawing closer, it became clear that remaining in a leaderless and crisis-ridden party could jeopardize my candidacy,” he stated.

He further alleged that the ADC lacked duly recognized national officers capable of signing valid nomination forms, a constitutional requirement for electoral participation prompting his legal team to advise an immediate search for an alternative platform.

The federal lawmaker accused unnamed political actors of unlawfully hijacking the party and attempting to sideline founding members.

“I joined ADC in 2019, nurtured it to national relevance, and funded its structure. Unfortunately, those who could not manage smaller political platforms came in to destabilize it,” he said.

Abejide also dismissed claims that he was expelled from the party, insisting that he voluntarily withdrew his membership in line with constitutional provisions.

“I exited honorably. Any claim of expulsion is false and politically motivated,” he added.

Addressing a viral video involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Abejide clarified that comments attributed to him about “scattering” the party were taken out of context.

“He spoke in a jovial manner, encouraging me to pursue justice. It was never an attack on democracy or any political party,” Abejide explained.

The lawmaker confirmed that he has now aligned with a “progressive political platform” that supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signaling a new phase in his political journey.

He also referenced a recent Federal High Court judgment as validation of his concerns over internal irregularities within the ADC.

Concluding his address, Abejide expressed gratitude to his supporters across Yagba, Kogi State, and beyond, assuring them of his continued commitment to effective representation.

“My political structure is fully repositioned to pursue our collective vision on a platform that guarantees stability, legality, and progress,” he said.

The development marks a significant realignment in Kogi State politics, with potential ripple effects as the 2027 general elections approach.